EDMONDS — John Nordquist, who became the institutional memory of Edmonds in 31 years on the city council, died Monday. He was 77.
The city received word on Tuesday from Nordquist’s wife, Mayor Gary Haakenson said.
Nordquist, who left office in 2000, suffered a stroke several years ago and had moved out of town, several former elected officials said.
“I remember him as being a very gracious gentleman,” said Barb Fahey, who worked alongside Nordquist for two years on the City Council before serving as mayor from 1996 to 2000. Whether they agreed or not, she said, “we always had a very civil discourse.”
Nordquist was a salesman for pharmaceutical companies, and in 1980 founded L.P. James, a family-run company that sold paper shredders to businesses throughout the state.
Nordquist’s history and experience on the council were very helpful to new council members coming on board, former officials said.
“He plugged along for 30 years plus,” said former mayor and city councilwoman Laura Hall, who served with Nordquist in the 1980s and ’90s. “With that comes a lot of history and legacy that a lot of times new councils don’t have.”
Nordquist saved minutes from meetings and could refer back to them for background on issues, said former councilman Dave Earling, who served with Nordquist on the council from 1992 through 1999.
As part of his duties with the council, Nordquist served on the board of the Snohomish Health District from 1972 through 1999, including five years as chairman and two years as vice chairman.
“I found the information he brought back to the council to be very helpful,” Earling said.
Nordquist also was active with the Edmonds Sister City Commission and traveled to Hekinan, Japan, as part of the city’s delegation, according to a written statement from the city.
He advocated for small businesses and was influential in the development and construction of the sewage treatment plant and the public works building, according to the city.
The sewage plant was a controversial decision, Hall said. Nordquist was among those who wanted the plant built in downtown Edmonds, where it stands today. Others, Hall included, thought it should have been built near the marsh, she said.
Nordquist gave up his council seat in 1999 to run for mayor. He lost to Haakenson, who also was on the council.
“We lost a great city leader and public servant yesterday,” Haaksenson said in a written statement. “John served selflessly for almost half his lifetime, and he helped shape the wonderful city that Edmonds is today.”
Bill Sheets: 425-339-3439, sheets@heraldnet.com.
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